Interior Rating:

The Tahoe has a quiet, comfortable cabin that can be fitted with features galore. While the GMC Yukon’s interior doesn’t meet its upscale aspirations, the build quality and materials inside the Tahoe are satisfactory for the price. Too bad both of them have a tight third row that isn’t suitable for adults.

What’s New for 2018?

While the Tahoe’s cabin is directly ported over from 2017, the new Custom Edition package (an exclusive option with the base LS model) deletes the standard third-row seat.

2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

Interior Space Comparisons

The Tahoe provides plenty of space for passengers in the first two rows, but its tight third row is basically reserved for those of short stature. Those hoping to haul more than six people will want to consider the longer Chevy Suburban, the extended Yukon XL, or basically any other SUV in this class.

First-Row Passenger Space

Our 6'1" tester demonstrates how easy it is to enter and exit the driver’s seat of the Tahoe.

Second-Row Passenger Space

Our 6'1" tester demonstrates how easy it is to enter and exit the second row of the Tahoe.

Third-Row Passenger Space

Our 6'1" tester demonstrates how much effort it takesto enter and exit the third row of the Tahoe.

Interior Features

The Tahoe Premier we tested had an attractive cocoa and dune interior color scheme, and the leather was supple to the touch. Most surfaces above the waistline were covered in soft-touch plastics, and the large knobs and buttons made the controls easy to operate.

The Tahoe treats passengers to cozy seats, with available front buckets and second-row captain’s chairs that replace the standard benches. While the second and third rows both fold flat manually, power-release and power-folding functions are available. Its list of standard features includes tri-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable front seats. Optional items include a head-up display with multiple readouts, a wireless charging pad, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Feature

Standard/Optional

Tilting steering column

Standard

Telescoping steering column

Optional

Power-adjustable steering column

Optional

Heated steering wheel

Optional

Power-adjustable pedals

Optional

Memory driver’s seat

Optional

Massaging driver’s seat

Not Available

Massaging front-passenger seat

Not Available

Power driver’s seat

Standard

Power front-passenger seat

Standard

Heated front seats

Optional

Heated rear seats

Optional

Cooled front seats

Optional

Cooled rear seats

Not Available

Head-up display

Optional

Rear-seat entertainment system

Optional

Seat Adjustments

2017 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier

Fore/Aft

Recline

Shoulder articulation

Lumbar support

Height

Thigh support

Side bolster

Headrest tilt

Driver’s seat

X

X

X

X

X

Front-passen-ger seat

X

X

X

X

X

Climate Control

2017 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier

Manual climate control

Automatic climate control

Dedicated vent(s)

First Row

No

Two-zone

Yes

Second Row

No

One-zone

Yes

Third Row

No

No

Yes

Cupholder Location

Vehicle Tested: 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier

Interior Sound Level

Modern cabins do an excellent job of insulating passengers from ambient noise, but none can completely eliminate the sharp sound of the wind and the drone of tire noise when you’re traveling at highway speed. To measure the interior sound-pressure level, we use a Brüel & Kjær Type 2250-L sound meter, which we position in the middle of the first row of seats at the height of the driver’s ear. The meter automatically averages 15 seconds of sound in A-weighted decibels (dBA), taken while the test car is cruising at 70 mph. (A-weighting is an industry standard that adjusts decibel readings to better reflect how the human ear hears various frequencies.) We take two measurements and average the results. We also correct for speedometer inaccuracies with our GPS-based data loggers. It is worth noting that decibels are a logarithmic unit, so a rating of 40 decibels isn’t twice the sound pressure of 20 decibels; it is 10 times the sound pressure. A six-decibel increase roughly doubles the sound pressure.

Seating and Step-In Height

The Tahoe and almost all of its rivals have a high trucklike seating height that exceeds 35 inches. To accurately measure seating height—the distance from the road to the driver’s hip—we use an H-Point Machine (HPM), a precisely engineered device marketed by SAE International. This versatile tool, in conjunction with a laser device, reveals the width and location of roof-pillar visibility obstructions (blind spots). Our HPM and laser measurement tools determine the length of road obscured by the hood as well as the road obscured by the trunk or hatch (as seen through the rearview mirror).

Test Results: Seating Height

Test Results: Step-In Height

Blind Spots, Visibility, and Obscured Roadway

The Tahoe provides a clear view of the road ahead, but its wide roof pillars can obstruct outward visibility to the side and the rear. A backup camera is standard, but a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert cost extra.

Roof pillars protect occupants in a rollover crash, but they also create blind spots. We determine visibility by measuring the location and width of each pillar using an H-Point Machine and a laser beam (surrogates for a driver and eyeball, respectively). Front and rear visibility are calculated by subtracting the viewable area blocked by the pillars from a perfect 180-degree score.

The Best and Others to Consider

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

Price Starting at

$70,545

Compare

Mercedes calls the GLS the S-class among SUVs—its rich appointments and power earn it a 2018 10Best award.

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

Price Starting at

$51,495

Compare

Boxy, useful, and straightforward, the Suburban continues to perform its duties for American families like it has ever since its debut in 1935.

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

Price Starting at

$47,385

Compare

As Nissan’s double-duty SUV, the Armada can tow up to 8500 pounds and has space for eight.